Amputee Rehab

The Amputee Rehabilitation Program at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute (UM Rehab) provides comprehensive care for patients who have lost an arm or leg from either vascular disease or a traumatic injury.

We offer both inpatient and outpatient services to help patients gain knowledge, strength and confidence to adapt to their new life. The care extends far beyond just the physical issues such as wound care, prosthetics care and physical and occupational therapies.

To help address the psychological issues that come with losing a limb, the program also offers support groups and peer mentoring as well as introductions to activities such as adapted sports.

Please consider making a contribution today to our Amputee Rehabilitation Program. Your gift will allow us to continue to provide the very best comprehensive rehabilitation care to every amputee patient we are privileged to serve.

The Interdisciplinary Team

Ask any patient who has been a part of the amputee program and they are sure to tell you about the people who work here. With the patient at the very center, the team includes the family and caregivers as well as dedicated experts from several disciplines working together to provide care. These clinical experts include physicians with specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation; neurologists; certified rehabilitation nurses; case managers; physical, occupational, recreational and respiratory therapists; speech-language pathologists; clinical dietitians; psychologists; and a certified prosthetist/orthotist.

Inpatient/Outpatient Care

Some patients come to UM Rehab right after their amputation once they are discharged from the acute hospital. Once they arrive, patients are evaluated by the team. An individualized treatment plan that can include medical interventions, physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support is quickly put in place. The ultimate goal is for a patient to be able to return home. Patient’s progress is carefully monitored including a weekly meeting with all members of the clinical team to be sure patients are doing well and meeting their goals.

Outpatient rehab is available to patients who leave the acute hospital and go directly home after an amputation, or for those who’ve completed their inpatient stay at UM Rehab. Outpatient therapy is provided at UM Rehab or at our outpatient rehab therapy facility located on Lord Baltimore Street in Woodlawn.

Patient navigation (to assist with navigating the health care system and accessing additional services in the community)

Pre-prosthetic exercises

Wheelchair Seating Clinic

Support

This support group consists of individuals with amputations and their families,
as well as interested professionals. The group meets on the third Wednesday
of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the ground floor outpatient gym. Although the
purpose of the meeting is educational, plenty of time is allowed for socialization
and networking. The meetings are informal and open to anyone with specific interest
in the subject of life after amputation.

Here are examples of previous program topics:

Chronic Pain

Prosthetic Choices

Amputee Walking School

We have easy access to the building, with curbside drop-off, and wheelchairs available for use at the front entrance. For further information, please call (410) 448-6731 and leave a message. State your complete name, address with zip code, phone number, email address if you have one, and the best time to reach you.

Family Involvement

Family members and caregivers play a vital role and are encouraged to actively participate in their loved one's rehabilitation. Patient education and therapy sessions offer excellent opportunities to learn more about a patient's condition and progress.
Available educational sessions include:

Dietary issues

Diabetic foot care

Edema management

Functional skills training

Long-term prosthesis care

Recreation and leisure

Risk factor identification and medical complications prevention

Skin care

Adapted Sports

During their rehab, patients are introduced to activities including adapted sports. Using modified equipment, patients can participate in golf, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and even scuba diving. It is not enough for patients to simply learn how to meet their basic needs. Sports is a part of our culture and at UM Rehab the hope is patients will become involved in activities like this. UM Rehab is a designated Paralympic Sports Club in the State of Maryland. Additionally, UM Rehab holds an annual Adaptive Sports Festival so anyone with an amputation can learn about the many sports and leisure activities in which they can participate.